About

A longtime employee and a young family excited to make their mark in the Gunnison business community are the new owners of Mochas Coffeehouse.

The husband-wife team of Kate and Geoff Oros officially took ownership of the 20-plus- year-old establishment Dec. 12. They’re joined in the adventure by their two young children; Layla, 2 and half, and seven- week old Abigail.

Kate, who grew up in Gunnison and has an exercise and sports science degree from Western Colorado University, has worked at Mochas on-and- off — mostly on — since she was 20.

Geoff is a New Hampshire native who came to Gunnison for school. For the past 10 years, he’s used his business administration degree from Western to work in sales for Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Now his full focus is on running the various business aspects of Mochas. Kate, who has worked all the barista positions over the years, will continue to pull shifts behind the bar and assist head baker Erika Pierson in providing the shop’s popular array of goods — from cookies and brownies to breads, cranberry bars, muffins, scones and more.

Barb Carrol, who started Mochas in a tiny drive- thru shack in High Mountain Liquor’s parking lot in 1997, will continue making breakfast burritos.

“In general, it’ll stay the same Mochas,” Kate explained. “But we are also open to change. We have some ideas and want to improve where things are needed.” Geoff echoed that sentiment, saying any changes will be done to “enhance the customer experience.”

Outside of Mochas, many locals recognize Kate (whose maiden name was Orr) from her many years as a dancer in various local productions. The couple actually met at a Move the Butte performance, where Kate was dancing and Geoff was involved as a percussionist.

They were married in 2016 and are eager to embark on this next big chapter in their lives.

In conjunction with the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce, Mochas will be hosting an open house and rib- bon cutting celebration this Saturday, Jan. 4, with free drip coffee, baked goods and samples from 10 a.m. to noon.

Mochas is located at 710 N. Main Street, opens at 6 a.m. daily and can be reached at 970-641-2006.